If you have been the victim of an accident or injury through no fault of your own, there are many difficult and confusing tasks you will have to attend to after you heal or return home from the hospital. You may need to file a bodily injury claim, deal with opposing insurance companies to reach a settlement, or perhaps even file a lawsuit. Hiring a Beaverton personal injury attorney to guide you through all of the legalese and court procedures is your best first step, but what happens next? Read on for some great first questions to ask your newly hired personal injury lawyer.
What is the main reason I should hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer generally results in collecting more compensation for injuries. Personal injury attorneys also handle medical liens, deal with Medicare, and talk to insurance companies so you don’t inadvertently say something that could damage your case. A personal injury lawyer is your representative and legal guide in the murky world of damages and claims, and will help you make sense of everything after you have sustained an injury. But perhaps most important is that a personal injury lawyer will deal with insurance companies and collecting evidence so that you can focus on getting better.
What rights do I have when speaking to the opposing insurance company?
Most people are unaware of their rights when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, and often want to settle as quickly and easily as possible. This makes sense—after all, you have likely just been in a car accident or been to the hospital for a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence!
A Beaverton personal injury lawyer can advise you of your rights, and help you communicate with all insurance companies involved, because it’s likely you will have to speak with multiple representatives from multiple insurance companies. You are legally only required to tell the bad driver’s insurance adjuster your full name, address, and phone number. Do not disclose financial details, even if prompted. You can discuss your employment but are not required to.
When speaking with the opposing insurance company, you are not required to discuss when and where the accident happened, individuals involved, and the vehicles damaged unless you are trying to achieve settlement. But remember – whatever you say can be used against you later on. Your Beaverton car accident lawyer will tell you that the adjuster will ask if you have any photographs of the scene or notes about witnesses; you should say yes if you have this information, but don’t elaborate further. This information is yours, and you are not obliged to share it with the opposing insurance company.
How much will my case cost?
If the fear of legal fees is holding you back from pursuing a claim, rest easy. Your Beaverton personal injury lawyer cost may be less than you think. At Galm Law, all consultations are free, and no fees are charged unless your case is won. The cost is determined by the severity of your injury, evidence availability, witnesses and people involved, and if expert witnesses are required. Most cases are billed on a contingency fee basis, meaning the actual case cost is a percentage fee of any monies awarded by the judge or jury.
Why can’t I just hire my regular attorney to handle my personal injury case?
Perhaps you’re wondering “how can a personal injury attorney help me better than my regular lawyer?” All attorneys study the law, but the law is complex. Just like you wouldn’t see your general practitioner (GP) if you needed eye surgery, a personal injury attorney is your personal ally in situations where you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence.
A Beaverton personal injury lawyer is educated, trained, and skilled at handling the personal injury section of the law; you have a greater chance of winning your case by hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you.
Do I have to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for my car?
PIP is legally mandated in many states, including Oregon. PIP provides coverage for car accidents, truck accidents, bike accidents, pedestrian accidents, and even accidents where you are a passenger in another person’s vehicle. PIP provides coverage for medical bills, lost wages, child care, funeral expenses, and more.
Oregonians are lucky to live in such a beautiful state that is focused on both driver and pedestrian safety. If you have questions about your insurance, PIP, or how a personal injury lawyer can help you, contact Paul Galm Law today.